van dyke



(No Model.) l 5 sheets-sheen 1.

' J. W. VAN DYKE.

STEAM4 GENERATOR.

No. 289,183. Patented, Nov. 27.71888.

w QQ@ @0398 m Y m @@@a @@ae N4 PETERS4 Phmniimoguphnr. wammum n. c.

(Nb Model.) 5 sheets-sheet 2.

J. W. VAN 1mm.v lgTBAM GENERATOR. No. 289,183.. Patented Nov. 27g-18:83.

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet-4. J. W. VAN DYKB.

` STBAMGENBRATOR. No. 289,183". y Patented Nov. 27, 1883..

Seg Q 5 Sheets-Sheetf.

. (No Model.)

J. W. VAN DYKE,

STEAM GENERATOR.

N. FEYERS. Pmwlichngupmr. wuhignm. D. C.

y. UNr-rcn raras Aram trice.,

JOHN w. van' DYKE, or BROOKLYN, New YORK.

STEAM-GENERATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 289,188, dated November 27, 1883.

Application filed June `16, 1883.` (No model.)

fo all iti/71.0711, it nur?! concern,.-

Be it known that l, J onN IV. 'VAN DYKE, of Brooklyn, Kings county, New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steam-Generators, of which the following is a specication.

My invention applies to steam boilers or generators of the water tube` or sectional class, and it relates more especially to that species having oppositely-inclined 'or zigzag ascending water-tubes connecting at the top with a steam-drum, and issuing` at each bend or angle from transverse overlyingheaders, which are connected with and sustained upon tubular water-pillars, which support the structure of the boiler at the corners thereof. Such a boiler is shown and claimed in a former application filed by me March 5, 1883, No. 86,991, and my present application is an improvement in several respects on the type: of boiler there shown. In my former application I employed but two'hollow columns connected with the tube system of the boiler, these being placed at the twofront corners of the boiler, while at t-he rear corners were placed solid columns, which, together with the hollow frontcolumns, served to support the general structure of the-boiler, including the steam-drum, headers, and tubes. In the former case, but one headerthat is, the lower or initial header-opened into the hollow pillars, the initial or starting end of the series of tubes issuing from said header, while the terminal ends of the tubes discharged into the steam-drum, so that the return-water from the steam-drum could descend by the pillars and enter the initial header, and thence start in its circulation through `the tubes. In my present improvement I employhollowsupporting-` columns at both lthe front and rear corners of the boiler structure, which are connected with the tubular water system of the boiler, the rear columns suppf` rting and opening into the steaming end ofthe drum, while the front columns support and open into the returning water end thereof. I also arrange a number of the overlying headers in alternate order to open at each end into the columns, with return-bends or headers between the saine, whereby the series of zigzag circulating-tubes are divided into overlying groups or sections,

ceiving the cool water from one of the induction-headers on the front columns and discharging it in a steaming state through its corresponding eduction-header into the rear columns toward the steam-drum, so that a better and more certain circulation is assured through the tubular system in a divided and diffused manner, and more opportunity is afiorded for the escape of the steam from the water and the return of the cool watcrto the induction ends lof the tubes, instead of employing one continuous circuit from. the lower to the upper endof the series of tubes, as heretofore.

My present invention therefore consists, chietiy, in the features above outlined, and also lies in a hollow dead-plate and tubular door-front connected with the columnsand tubular system of the boiler, and in a special form oftnbular fire-bridge connected with the tubular system of the boiler, as well as in a` certain cellular construction of the. headers,

lwith sectional covers iitting over two or more `of their cells, and in other minor features, as

hereinafter fully set forth.

In the drawings anneXed,Figure l represents a front elevation of my improved boiler without its inclosing brick-work, and Fig. 2 is a `rear elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a longicellular headers, and Fig. l0 a horizontal sec-` tion thereof.

Referring to the drawings, more particularly Figs. l, 2, 3, 5, and 6, f f and g g indicatehollow cast-iron columns, which rise'at" the four corners of the boiler structure andare supported upon suitable foundation-piersof brick` or masonry built in the earth below the, boiler, y on which columns the entire structure of the,`

boiler proper is supported. These rcolumns are of course closed at their bases, and their internal cavity is connected with the water system of the boiler, so that they `form hollow supporting water pillars or legs, and the base ot'A each forming a distinct circulating system, re-

IOC

the front columns, fj", are preferably enlarged or diverged, and form mud-drums, which are provided with blow-off cocks, whereby accumulated deposits may be removed in the usual manner. rIhe columns, as may be noted, are preferably square in cross-section, although this form is not essential, and they are con-` nected and surmounted at the top by transverse hollow castings or saddle-trunks 7L h and 13 z', having flanged ends or bases, which are bolted to the flanged tops of the columns, and also a central opening at the top, surrounded by a curved flange, on which the respective ends of the steam-c rum rest, and which are riveted to the said drum around corresponding openings in the base of the same, so that the columns f g thus open into the base of the steam-drum at each end through the saddles 7i i, as will be understood from Figs. 3, 2, and l.

Now, a a a indicate the water-tubes ofthe boiler, which are arranged in closely-adjoi ning series within the fire-chamber of the boilerthat is, within the space included between the four corner columns and between the furnace and steam-drum. These tubes are disposedin theusual oppositely-inclined or zigzag ascending path, starting from a point over the front of the furnace andterminating at a point below the rear end of the steam-dru ni, and as many of these zigzag ascending series or rows are arranged side by side as the width or size of the desired boiler structure allows, as shown in Figs. 5 and 4. These tubes are expanded at eachend into holes bored in the inner walls of lthe headers b c al, &c., as usual in boilers of this class, which headers are strong cast-iron chests or trunks disposed transversely between the pillars j' g, and supported by said pillars and by direct superpositionv upon each other, as illustrated. In my present improvement, however, these headers have a new relation witheach other, with the tubular pillars f g, and with the zigzag water-tubes, and they comprise three kinds of headers, which I term supply77 or induction headers, returnbend-7 headers, and terminah dischargej or eduction77 headers, and the zigzag tubes, instead of being arranged in one continuous circulating system from end to end, are divided into overlying sections or groups a, a, and a, eachfgroup consisting in this case (sec Fig. 3) of one Z-shaped tier, each tier having three bends, like a flat Z.

Now, the supply or induction headers are indicated by b, b', and b, and are all mounted transversely between thefront columns, fj', in successive positions over each other, and open at each end into said columns. (See Figs. l and 3.) The discharge or eduction headers are indicated by c and c, and are mounted similarly between the rear columns, f/ g, and open at each end into the same, as seen in Figs. 2 and 3, while the return-bend' headers are indicated, "respectively, by d, d, and d, and arc interposed between the former headers, but are inclosed on all sides, and have no connection with the pillars f or g. It will therefore bridge, which is mounted thereon.

be seen by referring to Fig. 3 that the'initial end of each Z-shaped tier or group of tubes issues from a supply-header,while its terminal end enters a discharge-header, and its front and rear ,bends are completed through a return-bend header. Fig. 3, the lower group of tubes, a, issues from the rst or lowermost supply-header, b, on the front columns, j', and discharges into the front discharging-header, c, on the rear columns, while the front and rear bends or angles ot' this group are completed through the front and rear return-headers, d d. The same description applies to each overlying group, except that the upper group, c, discharges at rIhe general tubular water shall digress to the explanation of the parts of the fire-bridge and furnace before describing the action of the flow or circulation in the boiler.

Referring to Figs. l, 3, and 7, Z indicates a hollow dead-plate or door-base, which is a 'square tubular casting extending across the front of the boiler, between the columns f f,

-below the furnace-door, and on a level with the front end of the grate, and opening at each end into the side ofthe columns, to which it is secured by bolted flanges, as will be understood from t-he drawings.

m m indicate a group of vertical water-tubes, which extend on each side of the furnace-door opening a from the base of the lower supplyheader, b, to the top of the hollow door-base Z, said tubesbeing expanded at each end into the respective parts. It will therefore be readily seen that this hollow door-base Zand tubes m form a tubular water-front around the door, which absorbs a great part of the heat, ywhich would be otherwise wasted, and thus contributes greatly toward efficiency and economy.

Referring to Figs. 3, et, and 7, o, as will be readily understood, indicates the furnacechamber, p the grate,.and p the ash-pit. At the rea-r end of the ash-pit is erected the bridgewall p, which is of but a slight height, in order to receiveand support a tubular water-l This bridge consists of two hollow cast-iron pillars, o'- r, which arise at each end of the bridge-wall to a height near the first group of tubes, a, and

are connected at the base by a hollow transverse trunk, o", also ofcast-iron. The pillar rr and trunk r are closed on all sides, but are perforated with holes at suitable points,into which the tubes which` connect therewith are expanded, as will be understood from the drawings. A rack of tubes, r", extends across from one of the pillars to t-he other, just back of the grate, inclining upward toward one end, as seen in Fig. 4. Hand-holes are formed on the outside ofthe pillars, over the ends of these tubes, and arecovered by the usual form of plugs or caps, r, as seen in Fig. 4. One tube, s, Vextends forward from the base of each of the bridge-pillars to the base of the front columns,

For example, referring to v ICO IIO

f and one tube, s', extends forward from the Aheader, t, which opens at each end into the seenin Figs?, 3, 2,and 4.

said columns, (seeV Figs. 2 and 3,) and from each end of this header two tubes, t, extend forward and connect with. the bridge-columns o', while from the base of the header a horizontal rack of tubes, t, extend forward and connect with the trunk o" of 4the bridge, as All these tubes are expanded at the ends into their respective chambers, and at suitable points hand-holes are formed through the opposite wall of the chamber, provided with removable plugs or caps r, as usual, so as to render the tubes accessible lfor cleaning or repairs. A supple-y mentary supply-header, u, is mounted on the rear columns, and opens therein, and receives a horizontal rack of tubes, a', which inclines forward over the fire-bridge and furnace and opens into the first supply-header, b, on the front columns, f; but this supplemental header and rack of tubes may be entirely omitted without any material effect on the boiler, if desired.

e Referring to Figs. l, 3, and 7, it will be noted that the hollow door-base Z islformed with a projecting lug or ledge, l, on its inner face,

which forms a bearing-bar,77 on which the i forward ends of the grate-barsp are supported,

while the rear ends of theI saine are supported on aledge or bearing-bar, q, which is supported at each endon the hollow bridge-pillars lr. It will be also noted from the said figures that the hollow door-baser is formed with a hollow forwardlyprojecting sill or threshold, Z,which will project out in front of the door and serve to increase the capacity of the hollow casting and form a better base to the furnace-door.

I am aware that hollow door-bases have heretofore been devised; but` they have been cylindrical and without the fiat upper surface an d extended threshold formed by the projecting flat sill Z, whereby a much safer and more efficient approach to the furnace-door is provided and the accumulation of fuel and ashes about the door prevented. Hand-holes are formed in the bottom of this hollow doorbase, over the ends of the tubes m, and are provided with removable caps m', as illustrated in Figs. land .v The supply, discharge, and return headers differ in their individual construction and arrangement, as may be inferred from the drawings. The supply and discharge headers are bolted directly at each .end to the respective coluinnsf and g, and open into the same, as before described, and fully shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and are hence xed to the columns. The return-bend headers d d d are interposed between the supply and discharge headers, as seen inFigs. l, 2, and 3, the lower return-headers, d d, being supported on lugs ff and g', cast on the columns, (or on bricks laid on the top of the lower induction-headers, b or u, as will be understooch) while the upper return-h eaders, d and d, fit closely between the respective overlying and underlying headers and rest directly onthe latter. The return-headers are thus supported securely between the Xed supply and discharge headers, but have `no fixed attachment to the columns or fixed headers, and hence are free to move slightly in or out, as the longitudinal expansion or contrae tion of their tubes may cause them, without straining the structure of the boiler, which is i an important provision, as will be readily uny derstood. Now, the internal chamber or cav- `ity of all the fixed headers b c, &c., is undivided by partitions or cells, but forms one common chamber, into which all the tubes issuing from or entering the same open in common, as seen best in Figs. 5 and 6, whereas the return-headers d d dfare divided interiorly by partitions-t" into a number of cells, o. (See Figs. 5, 9, and 10.) Each of these cells u receives the ends of one pair of tubes at the angles or bends in each Z-shaped group, as will be understood by referring to d d in Fig. 3, in connection with Figs. 5, 9, and 10. The partitions o of the return-headers blend into a flanged overlying face, c, cast on the front of the headers, in which face elongated oval openings are formed over each cell to expose the ends of the tubes within the same, and this flanged :face is planed off true and re-A ceives a sectional cover, w w, which is bolted steam-tight over the same, so as to completely cover the header, and 4thus render each cell distinct from the other. This cover is made in sections sufficiently large to cover two or more cells at the same time. In the drawings I have shown the cover as made in two sections, each covering the half of the `entire header; but smaller sections may be used, if preferred. It will thus be seen 4that this-cellular construction of the return-headers renders each Z-shaped group of tubes distinct from every adjacent group, so that the water-which starts in its circulation at one end of the Z, is compelled to travel without interruption to the opposite or discharging end, and by having sectional covers to cover two or more cells.

Vis easily obtained.

In previous applications I have shown transversely-continuous headers divided into cells similar to what is here shown, some being provided with sectional cov ers, each section of which covers one cell, and some being provided with one continuous cover covering all the cells; but I have not heretofore shown a transversely-continuous header divided into cells and provided with sectional covers, each section of which covers two or` more cells, as herein shown. charge headers, as shown at b c, 8m., in Figs. l, 2, 3, and 5, are not only without divisions or cells, as before stated, and without removable covers, but their front walls are xed or cast` Now, the supply and d is-` IOO IIO

integral with their other walls, but are bored with hand-holes in front of the ends of the tubes, and provided with removable caps j j,

as fully shown in said figures, whereby access is had to the tubes when required.

rlhe general metallic tubular structure of the boiler proper has been now described, and

vwhen this structure has been erected on its foundation-piers, as before described, and shown in Figs. l and 2, it should then be inclosed on each side with the usual side brick walls, as shown best in Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7,

` which are carried up to a point a little below the upper half thereof, the lower part being exposed in the top of the iire-chamber, as seen in Figs. 3 and 4, and this brick-work is carried up around the rear end of the drum, so as to form escape-flues @curving around the rear end of the drum, as illustrated. Over the top of the brick-work of these flues is placed the plate y', having a fianged opening from which the uptake y rises, as will be understood in Figs. 3 and 4.

The front and rear ends of the boiler, between the side walls, will be covered, in the usual way, by iron fronts77 of the usual character. lt will be noted on referring to Figs. l and 2 that the fixed headers Z1 c, Src., have a gap at the middle in order to afford a view into the fire-chamber of the boiler among the water-tubes, when desired, after the doors in the iron fronts are removed. Now, the iirechamber of the boiler is divided, as shown in my previous application, by nearlyhorizontal partitions z z, which extend out from one end of the chamber nearly to the opposite end, the upper partition being disposed reversely to the lower one, so as to compel the flame and hot gas to -ascend in a zigzag path among the tubes on its way to the ilues, and thus insure a more certain impingement of the'heat on the tubes, as indicated by arrows. These partitions are preferably made vof flat fire-proof tiles laid directly on the water-tubes, as claimed in a previous application, but other constructions may be used.

From the foregoing description and reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the course of the flame and heat from the furnace among the tubes and around the steam-drum to the uptake will be apparent without further elucidation, and l shall hence now refer to the water-circulation in the boiler.

v Turning to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be noted that `a partition, je', extends across the rear end ofthe steam-drum in front of the opening of the rear saddle, fi, and rises somewhat above the diametrieal line of the drum, as shown.

Now, the normal water-line of the boiler is indicated by the line aq, which comes somewhat below the top of the said partition in the drum, as shown in Fig. 8. The feed-water is introduced in the front of the front saddle, h, at the points 7L', as seen in Figs. 1 and 3. lt will therefore be understood that when the boiler is in action the greatest heat will be exerted toward the rear columns and toward the rear end of the drum, while a less heat will exist foward the front columns and toward the front end ofthe drum. Consequently the cooler water will tend to flow toward the front end of the drum and descend through the saddle h and front columns, ff, and thence enter each of the three supply-headers, b b b, and from thence flow into their corresponding Z-shaped groups of tubes, c a a. These tubes are ofcourse exposed to the full heat in the fire-chamber of the boiler, so that the water entering the same will become highly heated, and thus impelled in a rapid circulation through the convolutions of said tubes and through the return-bend headers, and will be nally discharged into the respective discharge-headers d d d, and thence into the col umns g g, in which the water will rise in ahot steaming volume and surge in a steaming cataract into the rear end of the drum and over the partition In', where its steam will be rapidly emitted and accumulated in the top ofy the drum, from which it is drawn as required through the usual connection, k, while the l water divested of its steam continues to flow fto the front end of the drum, and thence descends into the front columns to go through the same circulation as before. It will be seen that the introduction of the comparatively cool feed-water at the top of the columns insures the proper determination of a descending current at this point, and renders the circulation more positive and uniform in the desired direction. In order, however, to prevent the possibility of 'a return flow of the water, valves h (see Fio. l) areplacedin the ends of the saddle 7L over the columns, which valves open in the direction of descent or normal flow and close in the reverse direction, such as shown in my former patent. It will thus be seen that by this divided or sectional circulation in the boiler the return-water from the drum travels in three simultaneous parallel streams from the front columns and headers through the three zigzag groups of tubes to the rear headers and columns, and hence the water has a much better opportunity to become relieved of its steam and the tubes are kept much better supplied with water, while the average rate of flow is slower than where the water flows in one continuous stream from they top to the-bottom of the series of tubes; hence the action of the boiler will be smoother and more efficient and of greater steaming-power, for, as the supply of water is freer to the tubes and the relief for the steam much greater, a more intense fire can be maintained around thetubes without danger of burning out, and with the yI OO IIO " escasa '5 effect of imparting much greater heat in the 4 and for this part of my invention it is obviously immaterial wheth er the tubular columns j' and g, which connect the respective ends of `the steam-drum with the respective headers, also serve a-s actual supporting-columns for the boiler structure, for separate means may y be used to sustain the general structure, while the columns servesimply as water-conduits to and from the headers; but it is obvious that the exact construction shown is much the best. Any water descending in the rear columns, g, after delivering its steamupward into the drum,

will enter the supplementary supply-headeru, and pass thence through the rack of pipes a" into the iirst main supply-header, b, and thence enter the circulation of the first group of pipes, a.. The cool water from the base of the rear columns, g, will also enter the bridge-supply header t, from which the tubular lire-bridge is supplied through the pipes t' and t, through which the water will enter the tubes and chambers of the bridge, where it will become intensely heated, and then ce discharged through the forward pipes, s', into the first supply header, b, and thence into the first group of pipes, a. The cool water from the base of the front columns,f, will also enter the hollow deadplate Z, and thencerise through the tubes mm into the header b, and thence How on through the pipes a. The lower bridge-pipes, s, will also convey water from the base of the columns f to the base of the bridge, or in the reverse direction, according to the location of greatest heat, thus forming a water connection between the bridge and the different tubular portions of the boiler, which will render the supply thereto always certain and ample. The

pipes t" and s, however, which, as shown in Fig. 2, have a descending inclination toward the front columns, f, are also designed to insure the return of all dead water 7 toward the base of the front columns,where deposits of mud or other impurities are accumulated, and from where they are afterward blown off in the usual manner.

It will therefore be obvious that the tubular lire-bridge and the tubular door-front Z m, as

herein set forth, the general construction is strong, simple, and durable and its parts of easy access, which are important qualities in a steam-boiler.

I do not confine myself to the exact construction of the `different headers with the zigzag tubes and vertical water-columns f g, as particularly described herein; but

Vv'hat I claim as my invention is- 1. In a steam-boiler of the described class,l the combinatiomwith a superposed steam and water drum, such as 7c, of upright water-,oonduits, such asf g, descending from each end of said drum, and zigzag ascending water-tubes, such as a a c, arranged in successive groups, one above the other, between the furnace and steam-drum, each group being suitably Connected at the lower or induction end with the conduit leading from one end ofthe drum and at the higher or discharge end with the conduit leading to the opposite end ofthe drum, substantially as herein set forth.

2. A boiler of thedescribed class, having combined with a superposed steam and water drum one or more upright water-conduits descending from each end thereof, with transverse water chests or headers connected, one above the other, with said conduits below said drum, and zigzag water -tubes arranged in groups one above the other, corresponding with said headers, each group being connected at its lower end with the header on one conduit and at its upper end with the header on the opposite conduit, substantially as herein set forth.

8. In a sectional boiler, the combination, with a steam and water drum, It, of upright water-conduits, such as fg, descending from the ends thereof, supply-headers, such as Z) b', connected with the conduit or conduits leading from one end of said drum, and dischargeheaders, such as c c', connecting with the conduit leading to the other end of the drum, said headers being iixed in successive position over each other on the respective conduits, with successive zigzag groups of water-tubes, such as a a', each connected at the induction end with a supply-header and at its ednction end with a disch arge-header, with suitable return bends or headers connecting the angles or ends of the zigzag groups disposed betweensaid fixed headers, `and disconnected from said columns or headers for free expansion, substantially as herein set forth.

4. A sectional boiler combining the following features: a superposed steam and water drum, four hollow corner columns, ffg g, connecting at the top with the respective ends of the drum, and serving both as water-conduits to and from the same and as supporting-pillars for sustaining the boiler structure, a hollow trunk or header extending transversely between the front pair of columns, and fixed to and opening into the same at each end, a similar header similarly connected with the rear columns, and a zigzag series of water-tubes IIO connected at one end with the one header and at the opposite end with the opposite header, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5. A sectional boiler combining the following elements, to wit: four hollow corner columns, serving both as water legs or conduits and structural supports, a steam and water drum mounted on said columns and communicating therewith at each end, a series of transversely-continuous headers ixed between said columns at intervals one above the other and opening at each end thcreinto, with a series oi' water-tubes connecting from header to header,

' forming a water-circulating system from one set of columns and headers through the tubes to the opposite headers and columns, substantially as herein set forth.

6. The combination,with the drum k, of saddles h i, columns fj and y g, headers I) b and c c', zigzag tubes a a', and return bends or headers d d', arranged and operating substantial] y as set forth.

7. In a boiler-furnace, a tubular fire-bridge formed 'by the combination with the upright columns r, connected at the top and bottom with the water system of the boiler, of the transverse bridge-tubes 1', extending directly from column to column7 and connecting the same together back of the grate, substantially as shown and described.

8. The Combination, with the pillars fr 1", of pipes connecting the top and bottoni thereof with the water system ofthe boiler, the trans verse trunk 1", connecting the base of said pillars, and transverse tubes o", connecting said pillars above said trunk, substantially as herein shown and described. l

9. In a boiler substantially such as described, the combination, with a tubular hre-bridge, of the bridge-supply header t, aflixed to the rear columns, g, near the base thereof, and pipes t, extending from said header to the base of said bridge, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

10. In a boiler of substantially the described structure, the combination, with the front water-columns, f f, of the hollow dead-plate or door-base Z, formed with a flat top beneath the door, and projecting threshold Z", extending transversely between said columns near the base thereof, and opening thereinto at each end, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

l1. The combination, in a boiler of the described class, with the coluinns f f, of the hollow door-base Z, connected thereto below the furnace-door, and grate-bars, with tubes m m, rising from the top of said base at each side ot' the door, opening and connecting at the top with the water-tube circulation of the boiler, substantially as herein set forth.

JOI-IN NV. VAN DYKE.

Witnesses:

.'I'No. E. GAVIN, CHAs. M. Hier-uws. 

